Would You Make Friends With Your Domestic Robot

Domestic robots could easily become part of our future landscape. As technology improves and people are more pressed for time, it’s really no surprise. In a January 2012 Persuadable Research survey, 67{f4d8617a2510f4f96d883afe097e78ef137cb4a5dc10b8b83482a846a66e07cf} indicated they would feel safe and secure with robots doing various tasks in their homes and furthermore, 70{f4d8617a2510f4f96d883afe097e78ef137cb4a5dc10b8b83482a846a66e07cf} would personalize their robots by naming them. Placing a name upon a robot gives one the sense that robots could become part of the family, in a way, perhaps similar to pets, but with an entirely different function.

Among those who would be willing to buy a robot, nearly half, 43{f4d8617a2510f4f96d883afe097e78ef137cb4a5dc10b8b83482a846a66e07cf} prefer that their robot be able to take initiative and suggest actions. It seems that people foresee robots as domestic helpers, but also as personal assistants. Imagine, if you will, a robot that takes commands by simply talking to it. It would learn from past tasks and even offer ideas or better ways to do things. If robots had emotions, 37{f4d8617a2510f4f96d883afe097e78ef137cb4a5dc10b8b83482a846a66e07cf} of respondents think they might even be able to make friends with them.

What would the perfect robot look and sound like? Panelists felt that the robot should not sound too young or too old and the voice should not be too masculine or too feminine, but it should definitely be more humanlike rather than synthesized. It should also look more human than machine and be more roundish than square. Additionally people seemed to prefer a more colorful robot as well as one that could have a more personal design. Lastly, a sense of humor wouldn’t hurt!

It appears that many perceive robots as a possibility and a natural extension of existing smart technology. It is easy to admit that, from the survey results, one could imagine a cadre of robots in fun Apple colors, much like iPods – except much bigger and definitely more expensive. So, what would you name your robot?

These robots would tidy up our homes and workplaces cheerfully. Panelists envision them being able to handle nearly any household task from cleaning windows, 45{f4d8617a2510f4f96d883afe097e78ef137cb4a5dc10b8b83482a846a66e07cf}, to scrubbing toilets, 41{f4d8617a2510f4f96d883afe097e78ef137cb4a5dc10b8b83482a846a66e07cf}. They are also being considered for moving heavy objects and providing security for the home.